I was always drawn to helping people; healthcare was a natural path for me. With a degree in occupational therapy and work experience at New York Presbyterian Hospital working in inpatient and acute care, I saw Western medicine’s ability to treat acute conditions and manage symptoms. But something was missing. There was little focus on the mind and the spirit, little about our body’s natural ability to self-heal, manage the side-effects of western medicine, or teach life practices focused on prevention and healthy living. Things felt out of balance. In searching for that balance, I found Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture, and it was to change my life.This ancient and elegant medical system practiced for thousands of years is the natural complement to Western medicine and my clinical background as an occupational therapist. It’s a practice that considers and nurtures the whole person. This is what was missing. TCM works in harmony with the energy of our body, always with an emphasis on prevention, healthy life choices, and spiritual peace to maintain balance and health. Traditional Chinese Medicine would be my path.Aligned with my belief systems, TCM fueled my desire to achieve a Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine degree and a doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. During this time, I studied the ancient energy practice, Wu Ming Qigong, with Grand Mater Nan Lu at the Tao of Healing and became a Dragon’s Way® instructor. I personally experienced healing I had never before achieved or even imagined possible. I experienced the healing ability of acupuncture, Qigong, and traditional Chinese herbs to heal chronic challenges, prevent disease and maintain health.My practical training since 2018 at Tao of Healing showed me firsthand the power of TCM and acupuncture to fundamentally change people’s lives. Studying under Grand Master Lu is an extraordinary honor. It is a gift that I will pass on, giving people confidence in their bodies again, helping them better trust themselves, and learning their inherent capacity to heal once the body finds better balance. This is where I always belonged; this is my path.